The Government has announced new commitments to transform adult social care services. 

People with disabilities will continue to be supported to remain in their homes in major reforms set out by the government to address the current crisis in social care. 

As part of reforms, Sheffield will receive more than £760,000 in funding for the Disabled Facilities Grant this financial year. The boost to the Disabled Facilities Grant will allow more disabled and elderly people to have adaptations, allowing them to live independently and reduce hospitalisations. 

As a first step, the government will launch an independent commission into adult social care to inform the work needed to deliver this, giving clear recommendations for how to rebuild the adult social care system to meet the current and future needs of the population.

Alongside this transformative funding, the government’s immediate action to support adult social care includes harnessing the power of care technology to transform care and support people, keeping people healthy and taking pressure off the NHS. 

Care workers across Sheffield will also be trained and supported to deliver health interventions, such as blood pressure checks, meaning people across Sheffield can receive more routine checks and care at home without the need for travel to healthcare settings. The national career structure for care staff will also be expanded,  ensuring there are opportunities for career progression and development in their roles.

A shared digital platform will ensure that care is high quality, enabling up to date medical information to be shared between the NHS and care staff, including when someone last took their medication to ensure people receive the best possible care.

Louise Haigh MP for Sheffield Heeley said:

“Reform for the social care system is urgent and much-needed after fourteen long years of neglect.

“Carers are so important for the wellbeing and livelihood of who they care for and it’s great to see that the Government will be making sure that care workers will be even more supported as they carry out essential work.

“I was contacted by one constituent who told me that her husband was at risk of losing his care package. He is blind with a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s and has built a years-long relationship with his carers, looking forward to hearing their voices every day and holding their hands.

“Not having the carers there to support her would have been absolutely devastating and losing the voices she was so used to would make life even more difficult for her.

“I was able to make sure that this care package was kept in place, but I’m really glad that the government is investing in the care system.”